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Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Need to modernise investigation methods: HC to DGP
Kochi: High court, in a significant judgment, directed the state police chief and home department to urgently modernise police investigation methods by replacing outdated practices such as hand-drawn sketches and unscientific mahazars with digital documentation, forensic analysis and audio-visual recording. The bench of Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar observed that the police must take immediate steps to ensure the use of e-Sakshya or any other suitable digital platform for documenting all searches and seizures, all crime scenes related to offences punishable with imprisonment exceeding seven years and all confessional or witness statements permissible to be video recorded. HC emphasised that the necessary equipment and training must be provided to police officers without delay. These directions were issued while allowing a criminal appeal filed by Suresh of Vallikode in Pathanamthitta, who had challenged his conviction and life sentence by the trial court in a murder case. The prosecution alleged that on Jan 1, 2015, Suresh had pushed his neighbour and relative, Purushothaman (60), into a drain from a height of six feet. Purushothaman succumbed to injuries at the Govt Medical College, Kottayam, on Jan 16. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo The trial court had convicted Suresh based on the testimony of the deceased's wife, who claimed to be an eyewitness. However, HC found serious lapses in the probe, particularly the police failure to record Purushothaman's statement while he was undergoing treatment, as well as the statement of the doctor who treated him. The court also noted that the initial report stated that Purushothaman had suffered injuries from a fall. Also, the trial court had relied solely on the wife's testimony which appeared highly embellished. HC observed that a careless or lackadaisical approach by investigators not only wastes public resources but also deprives courts of the full truth, undermines public trust and ultimately allows offenders to go scot-free. Effective investigators must integrate traditional techniques with modern scientific tools to ensure that all traces of evidence are properly collected and presented before the court. Senior officers should ensure proper training of subordinates and hold them accountable for lapses. Forensic laboratories must also be adequately staffed and equipped to process evidence swiftly and reliably. The court further noted that the BNSS provisions expressly mandate audio-video documentation of critical investigative steps and early collection of forensic evidence, in order to ensure accountability and improve the quality of investigations. Accordingly, the court directed the HC registry to forward a copy of the judgment to the state police chief and home department and to ensure that prompt and effective steps are taken to modernise investigations in strict compliance with the BNSS and in line with the binding directions of the court.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Short-staffed cancer units: Rights panel seeks answers
Chandigarh: Taking suo motu cognisance of a Times of India report, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has sought an explanation from the state health department over the acute shortage of medical professionals at three premier cancer care institutions in Punjab . The TOI report, published on July 23, highlighted alarming staff vacancies at Govt Medical College, Amritsar; Tertiary Care Cancer Centre (TCCC) at Civil Hospital, Fazilka; and two hospitals run by the Tata Memorial Centre - Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Sangrur, and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), New Chandigarh. At Govt Medical College, Amritsar, only 19 of the 43 sanctioned posts are filled, leaving 24 posts (55.81%) vacant. These include all senior resident positions in radiotherapy, multiple vacancies in surgical oncology, and complete staff shortages in the nuclear medicine and medical oncology departments. At Civil Hospital, Fazilka, only four of 28 sanctioned posts (14.28 per cent) are filled. The hospital lacks professors and associate professors in radiotherapy and surgical oncology, and preventive oncology is short of even an assistant professor. The situation is equally dire at the Tata Memorial Centre-run facilities. Out of 637 sanctioned posts across HBCH Sangrur and HBCH&RC New Chandigarh, 393 posts (61.69%) remain vacant. These include serious gaps in medical, scientific, technical, and nursing staff, with 223 nursing positions unfilled out of a sanctioned 340. The commission also noted that despite an earlier direction in a case order dated June 23, no report was submitted by the directorate health. "Neither any communication nor the required report has been received," the commission observed. The commission has now granted a final opportunity to the directorate health to submit the report at least one week before the next date of hearing. Failing this, the director health will be required to appear in person and explain why action under Section 16 of the Protection of Human Rights Act should not be initiated.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Punjab human rights panel seeks explanation on doctors' shortage at cancer hospitals
1 2 Chandigarh: Taking suo motu cognisance of a Times of India report, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has sought an explanation from the state health department over the acute shortage of medical professionals at three premier cancer care institutions in Punjab. The TOI report, published on July 23, highlighted alarming staff vacancies at Govt Medical College, Amritsar; Tertiary Care Cancer Centre (TCCC) at Civil Hospital, Fazilka; and two hospitals run by the Tata Memorial Centre — Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Sangrur, and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH&RC), New Chandigarh. At Govt Medical College, Amritsar, only 19 of the 43 sanctioned posts are filled, leaving 24 posts (55.81%) vacant. These include all senior resident positions in radiotherapy, multiple vacancies in surgical oncology, and complete staff shortages in the nuclear medicine and medical oncology departments. At Civil Hospital, Fazilka, only four of 28 sanctioned posts (14.28%) are currently filled. The hospital lacks professors and associate professors in radiotherapy and surgical oncology, and preventive oncology is short of even an assistant professor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo The situation is equally dire at the Tata Memorial Centre-run facilities. Out of 637 sanctioned posts across HBCH Sangrur and HBCH&RC New Chandigarh, 393 posts (61.69%) remain vacant. These include serious gaps in medical, scientific, technical, and nursing staff, with 223 nursing positions unfilled out of a sanctioned 340. In addition, the commission noted that despite an earlier direction in a case order dated June 23, no report was yet been submitted by the directorate health. "Neither any communication nor the required report has been received from the department," the commission observed. The commission has now granted a final opportunity to the directorate health to submit the report at least one week before the next date of hearing. Failing this, the director health will be required to appear in person and explain why action under Section 16 of the Protection of Human Rights Act should not be initiated.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Any rules framed to ensure periodical inspections of govt hospitals & medical colleges, Kerala HC asks govt
Kochi: High court on Tuesday orally asked the state govt whether any rules had been framed to ensure periodical inspections of govt hospitals and medical colleges to maintain standards. The bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by G Samuel of Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, and two others. The petition seeks a directive to ensure the effective administration of all govt medical colleges, hospitals and health centres across the state. The PIL was filed in response to the death of a woman following the collapse of an old building at the Govt Medical College Hospital in Kottayam on Thursday. The petition also cited the recent disclosure by Dr Hariz Chirackal of the Govt Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, who highlighted a severe shortage of surgical equipment at the hospital. During the hearing, HC questioned the state about the existence of any rules specifically framed for carrying out regular inspections of clinical establishments. In response, the state attorney referred to Rule 21 of the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Rules, which deals with the preparation of a panel of assessors for inspection and assessment. However, HC was not satisfied and pointed out that Rule 21 does not deal with periodical inspections and underlined the need for a separate and specific framework for such inspections. "Unless the state has framed Rules, how are periodical inspections to be carried out? How is the authority functioning," the bench orally asked. HC then adjourned the matter for two weeks, directing both the state authority under the Clinical Establishments Act and the Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, to file separate affidavits addressing these concerns.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Woman & paramour murder bedridden husband
Nagpur: A 30-year-old woman, Disha Ramteke, was arrested on Saturday along with her alleged paramour, Asif Raja Islam Ansari alias Raja Babu Tyrewala, (28) for the murder of her paralytic and bedridden husband, Chandrasen (38), at their residence in Tarodi Khurd, Wathoda. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to Wathoda police, Disha and Asif smothered the bedridden man by pressing his nose, mouth and throat with a pillow which led to his death a day ago. "Chandrasen was asleep when Disha summoned Asif to execute their murder plan," said a source in the police department. Sources close to the family said Disha spent a year nursing her paralytic husband with unwavering dedication. After her husband suffered paralysis attack, she single-handedly took on the responsibility of supporting their three school-going children, aged six, nine and 10 years. She learned to drive, mortgaged her jewellery, and set up a small water purification plant. She distributed water cans in a delivery vehicle, balancing her caregiving duties with the demands of her fledgling business. Disha's determination and grit earned her admiration, but behind closed doors, her life was unravelling. The couple's relationship was marred by Chandrasen's relentless verbal and emotional abuse. Sources revealed that Chandrasen frequently taunted Disha, accusing her of infidelity and questioning her character in front of their children. The humiliation left Disha isolated and desperate. About five months ago, Disha met Asif, a garage owner where she took her vehicle for maintenance. Their interactions, initially professional, grew intimate over time, with the two exchanging messages, said sources. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Chandrasen discovered their chats and vowed to "teach them a lesson" once he recovered, intensifying the emotional abuse. The breaking point came on July 4 between 2.30pm and 3.30pm, when Disha and Asif allegedly conspired to end Chandrasen's life. The crime came to light when Sanjay Ramteke, Chandrasen's brother, was alerted by a neighbour, Shyam Atram. Doctors at Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) declared Chandrasen dead. There was a strange injury on Chandrasen's nose which aroused suspicion. Postmortem conducted on July 5 at GMCH confirmed strangulation as the cause of death, prompting a deeper investigation. Disha, who was present at the mortuary, was quizzed by assistant PI Santosh Sapate of Wathoda police station. Disha confessed to the crime, admitting that her husband's relentless taunts about her relationship with Asif pushed her to the edge. Asif also confessed to plotting the plan to eliminate Chandrasen, said police. Wathoda police registered a case under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused have been arrested, and investigations are under way. Senior inspector Harish Borade of Wathoda police station stated that special permission was sought to take Disha into custody as the post-mortem and confirmation of murder took place late in the evening.
